Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Proffered Paper #3: MélangeThe Role of the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist in Delivering Person Centred Care Across the Cancer Continuum
Section snippets
Purpose/Aim
Patient navigation roles were developed to help reduce gaps in care by improving access to cancer services. A primary activity of the Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT) at the Odette Cancer Centre (OCC) is to serve as a navigator for ‘complex’ patients. Complexity is defined not only by the treatment but also the anticipated needs of the patient. The spectrum of navigation includes support through care coordination, patient education and meeting the psychosocial needs of the
Method/Process
As part of the systematic approach to implementation, current processes were reviewed to identify gaps in service delivery including support for patients. Within each position, the review identified the need for navigational roles for each CSRT that would, upon integration, not only drive greater efficiency within the system but moreover improve the patient experience. Coupled with this was an internal organizational review of the staff and patient experience that identified the ‘want’ and
Results/Benefits/Challenges
The CSRT as navigator has helped streamline the patient journey through the cancer treatment trajectory by providing coordinated, evidence-based, person-centred care. Early data shows that navigation accounts for upwards of 45% of clinical workload. Navigation tasks included but are not limited to; coordinating/scheduling appointments, tests and procedures, connecting patients to supportive care services, symptom assessment and management, and education.
Conclusion/Impact/Outcomes
The role of CSRT navigator has shown to positively impact on the patient’s cancer care journey. A formal evaluation of the impact of these roles on the patient population is planned for the future. A costing analysis to understand impact of these from both the patient and program perspective is warranted.